Yes, we realize that the 2012-13 NHL season isn't guaranteed to start on time—or at all, technically—because of CBA negotiations. All the good jokes have been made.

That didn't stop the NHL from releasing the full schedule, though, and it won't stop us from picking out a few highlights, assuming the league and the NHLPA work something out before October.

Oct. 12: New York Rangers at Los Angeles Kings

The champs raise their banner at Staples Center against the Eastern Conference's top regular-season team. Given how LA's interest in the Kings increased throughout their playoff run, and the fact that the Rangers draw viewers regardless, this game's calibrated for entertainment value and a ratings win. The league couldn't have it during the Stanley Cup finals; might as well get the next best thing.

On a more hockey-related tip, it's the first of eight season-opening road games for the Rangers. For the second year in the row—they started 2011 in Europe—they're temporarily displaced by the renovations at Madison Square Garden.

Nov. 23: Rangers at Boston Bruins

The 1 p.m. Black Friday game is becoming a decent tradition for the NHL. Lots of people have the day off, and the reasonable ones are at home—not in tents outside Best Buy. When in doubt, the league opts for an Eastern Conference game, and that's what they did here. Also, Tim Thomas gets the chance to watch his former/future teammates on NBC. Tough to imagine him having cable.

Dec. 15: Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators

Theoretically, this could be the first time Ryan Suter returns to Nashville to face his former teammates. Suter hasn't signed with anyone yet—that has to wait until at least July 1—and the Predators can still hang on to him, but it's something to keep in mind at bare minimum.

Dec. 31: Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin doesn't quite generate the buzz it did a few years ago. That's not an inherently negative thing, but the league no doubt wanted it to happen organically, not because Crosby essentially lost two seasons to concussion-related issues while Ovechkin's production nosedived. The third scheduled matchup between Pittsburgh and Washington is on New Year's Eve.

Jan. 1, 2013: Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs

The 2013 Winter Classic is at Michigan Stadium, aka "The Big House." It'll break attendance records and feature a pretty sweet alumni game the day before, though that will happen at Comerica Park in Detroit. Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch arranged for several Classic events to be held in his hometown, rather than Ann Arbor.

Jan. 24-28: All-Star Break

The 2013 All-Star Game is in Columbus. Two big questions: If Rick Nash is in the game, will it be as a Blue Jacket? Also, will the NHL tweak or outright scrap the fantasy draft format? It's the second-worst made-for-TV event on the league's schedule. The Awards Show is first by a landslide. Or an avalanche. Or a landslide wrapped in an avalanche.

Feb. 9: New Jersey Devils at Kings

There's only one Stanley Cup finals rematch on the schedule. They'll probably be able to find the puck after this one ends, which so far isn't the case for the Kings' Cup-clinching Game 6 win.

Feb. 12: Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks

The NHL proceeded as if the Coyotes will stick in Glendale. That's not a given, largely because the Goldwater Institute is challenging a costly, controversial arena leasing agreement necessary to complete the team's sale to Greg Jamison. Tonight, regardless of whether it's from Arizona or Quebec or Seattle, a team of hockey players will travel to Chicago for a playoff rematch.

Another story line: Raffi Torres, whose despicable April 17 hit sent Marian Hossa to the hospital, will have to face Blackhawks fans at full throat. Either that, or he'll have already been suspended again for doing something really dirty and really dumb. Probably that.

April 13: Last day of the regular season

Of the NHL's 30 teams, 28 play on this day. Only the Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks will have finished their regular-season schedules. The Canucks are a safe bet to have a playoff spot already on lock. The Hurricanes, though, might be doing some serious scoreboard watching. And they won't be the only ones.